The GSMA today expressed concerns about the Bangladesh Government’s plan
to impose higher fees for 4G licensing ahead of the next round of
spectrum auctions. The decision would pose a significant challenge to
the fulfilment of the “Digital Bangladesh” objectives and impact the
future of mobile broadband services in Bangladesh.

According to the GSMA, there is instead a need to lower the burden of
levies in order to facilitate the deployment of affordable voice and
data services for the people of Bangladesh. Mobile operators are already
currently liable for multiple taxes and fees that affect growth1.

“New research links high spectrum prices with lower quality mobile
services. In short, mobile operators have less capital left for new
networks and services,” said Brett Tarnutzer, Head of Spectrum, GSMA.
“Reasonable spectrum fees are key to achieving the Digital Bangladesh
objectives. Operators should be able to use their resources to build
networks for high-quality mobile services.”

Spectrum’s greatest value is realised when used by mobile technology and
devices to provide social and economic opportunity for all of
Bangladesh’s citizens. In 2015 alone, the mobile industry contributed
6.2 per cent to Bangladesh’s GDP2.

“The proposal of imposing incremental fees on top of the already-high
fees risks deterring operators from acquiring much-needed spectrum.
India, Ghana, Mozambique and Senegal all provide recent examples of
countries where 4G spectrum has gone unsold,” added Tarnutzer. “This
would be extremely damaging not only for the Bangladesh mobile industry,
but also for the country’s economy overall, depriving citizens and
businesses in India to the full potential of high quality mobile
broadband services.”

Given the high levels of infrastructure and technology service
investments already committed by operators, the GSMA urges the
Government to reconsider the 4G spectrum licensing price proposal in
order to reflect local market realities and Government goals. Doing so
is essential to facilitate the further investment and infrastructure
development necessary to achieve a digital Bangladesh.

-ENDS-

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting
nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile
ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies,
equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in
adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading
events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai,
Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com.
Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.